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Learn More About SLC NextGen JA
SLC NextGen JA is dedicated to amplifying the collective Japanese American voice of Salt Lake City through intergenerational collaboration that promotes the diverse voices of Japantown's past, present and future.
Featured in the Salt Lake Tribune
Published digitally and in-print on July 7, 2024
Click here to read more about us!
Our Current Initiatives
Japanese American Community Survey
Japantown is a vital asset for downtown and our opinions matter.
This survey is open to the public.
Petition to Revitalize Japantown
Amplify our community's voice to ensure we have a seat at the table with the Sports, Entertainment, Culture & Convention District.
Upcoming Events
STAY IN TUNE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!
SLC NextGen JA
Coordinating Committee
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Aimee Kyed
Member of SLC NextGen JA and Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
Clarysa Park
Clarysa grew up in Layton and recently moved back from Los Angeles. She has a husband and two (almost three!) young boys. Clarysa started the petition and SLC Japantown, and is also a member of SLC NextGen JA. She is grateful to be a part of a group who is dedicated to amplifying the Japanese American community's visibility and voice.
Ethan Hirabayashi
Ethan was born and raised in the Salt Lake City area. He is 5th generation Japanese American and is looking forward to making the downtown area a more walkable city by involving the surrounding Japanese American properties. He is a member of SLC NextGenJA, the JACL Mount Olympus Chapter and Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. Ethan graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Health and Kinesiology and is a longtime Utah Jazz and Salt Lake City Bees fan.
Kristine Aramaki
Member of SLC NextGen JA and The Japanese Church of Christ
Alex Hirai
Alex was born and raised in Salt Lake City. From a young age, Alex was taught the importance of history and how it affects the present. After attending East High School in Salt Lake City, he graduated with a degree in Ethnic Studies, as well as a minor in History and Political Science from the University of Utah. Alex joined NextGen to create a stronger voice for his community and amplify the work that has already been done by those who came before.
Daniel Cheung
Member of SLC NextGen JA and The Japanese Church of Christ
Kelly Asao
Member of SLC NextGen JA and President of the Salt Lake JACL Chapter
Marisa Eng
Marisa grew up attending the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple on Japantown Street. She graduated from the University of Southern California and has worked in brand marketing in the biotechnology industry. Her gratitude for her Japanese American community drives her passion for preserving and sharing the diverse history, culture, and community for future generations. She serves on the board of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and Nikkei Senior Center and is a member of SLC NextGen JA. Currently, Marisa is pursuing her MBA to further her impact in the community.
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Jason Kunisaki
Member of SLC NextGen JA
Elizabeth Ward
Member of SLC NextGen JA and The Japanese Church of Christ
Kenzie Hirai
Member of SLC NextGen JA and the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
Trey Imamura
Member of SLC NextGen JA and the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
SLC NextGen JA in the Media
RADIO
Thursday May 29, KRCL 90.9 interviewed Kelly Asao
Wednesday May 29, 92.5FM The Beat interviewed Trey Imamura & Clarysa Park
Tuesday May 28, KUER 90.1 interviewed Liz Ward and Trey Imamura
Friday May 24, KSL News Radio interviewed Liz Ward
NEWSPAPER
Thursday May 24, the Salt Lake Tribune published an op-ed by Alex Hirai & Clarysa Park
CONTACT US